PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 — A huge display of fireworks lit up the sky in Putrajaya as the clock struck 12 marking the 56th year of Malaysia’s independence last night.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak joined thousands of people who thronged Putrajaya, which had been decorated with the Jalur Gemilang (national flag), for the Merdeka countdown at the Putrajaya Marina, previously known as the Putrajaya Maritime Centre at Precinct 5.

He was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman.

Also present were Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who is also chairman of the 56th Merdeka Day celebration organising committee, and other Cabinet ministers.

Shouts of “Merdeka” filled the air when the clock struck 12.

At the function, Najib also launched the Putrajaya International Fireworks Competition.

The competition, organised by Putrajaya Corporation and Duago Corporation Sdn Bhd, involves the participation of Malaysia, South Korea, France, China, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

Last night’s celebration also saw a concert by artistes.

In KUALA LUMPUR, the countdown around Suria KLCC with the Petronas Twin Towers as a backdrop was a merry occasion with a musical fountain and fireworks show being the highlights.

At Dataran Merdeka, although there was no official celebration this time, it did not stop the people from congregating there for the countdown.

Cars decked with the Jalur Gemilang sounded their horns in welcoming August 31.

In the shopping haven of Bukit Bintang, foreign tourists joined the locals in welcoming National Day. — Bernama